China unveils world's fastest train: CR450 sets new speed record
China, a leader in developing high-speed rail, has unveiled the latest prototype of the CR450 train. During tests, the train reached up to 450 kilometres per hour. If it enters commercial use, it will become the fastest high-speed train globally, surpassing existing models, reports Business Insider.
As noted by Business Insider, the CR450 prototype, presented in Beijing on 28 December 2024, is a significant step forward in rail transport technology. According to China's Ministry of Transport, the train is expected to achieve an operational speed of 400 km/h, a substantial advancement compared to the current model, the CR400, introduced in 2017, which reaches 350 km/h.
The latest train, developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., stands out for its speed and energy efficiency, noise control, and braking effectiveness. The developers emphasise that the train underwent over 3,000 simulations and 2,000 tests to meet strict operational requirements.
Further tests and development plans
China State Railway Group stresses that further tests and improvements are necessary before the train is implemented for commercial use. The new line must also meet all safety and reliability standards.
China has been investing significant resources in railway development for decades. Its railway network spans over 160,000 kilometres, of which more than 45,000 kilometres are high-speed lines. Railways have become an effective alternative to air travel, especially on routes up to 1,100 kilometres, connecting metropolises with smaller towns.
China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world and serves as a model for other countries. It competes with Japan's Shinkansen and France's TGV systems, and it has been a key element of the transportation revolution in recent decades.
